When the roses

Have dropped their petals

And the mist on the hills

Has settled

 

When the trees

Have relinquished their leaves

And all the flowers

Have gone to seed

 

When the birds

Are replete

From the fruit

Of the hedgerows

And the autumn winds

Given way to winter snow

 

I will light the fire

Lay out a cashmere throw

Burn incense

And set a candle aglow

 

My door will be left ajar

No matter how far

You must travel

There will be shelter

Here, in my home

Love, here in my heart

For without you

My universe

Is missing a star.

 

C.K. 22